Yosif Martin Ganat, PhD

The focus of my work is to use transgenic human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that express GFP under promoters that are specific to midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons in order to purify, characterize, and graft these cells in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. I am also working with the Rutishauser lab to overexpress polysialic acidneuralcell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) in grafted hESC-derived mDA neurons to increase their integration into the host CNS. Additionally, I am a co-host and producer of THE Stem Cell Podcast - the official podcast of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. Together with Dr. Christopher Fasano we interview stem cell scientists and discuss recent advances in the field.

acid (A-sid)

A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

CNS

The brain and spinal cord. Also called central nervous system.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

embryonic (EM-bree-AH-nik)

Having to do with an embryo, which is an early stage in the development of a plant or animal.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

graft (graft)

Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

L

A measure of volume for a liquid, using the metric system. One L is equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cc), 1,000 milliliters (mm), or 1.0567 quarts (qt). Also called liter.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

molecule (MAH-leh-kyool)

The smallest particle of a substance that has all of the physical and chemical properties of that substance. Molecules are made up of one or more atoms. If they contain more than one atom, the atoms can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

mouse model (... MAH-dul)

The use of special strains of mice to study a human disease or condition, and how to prevent and treat it.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

neural (NOOR-ul)

Having to do with nerves or the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

overexpress (OH-ver-ek-SPRES)

In biology, to make too many copies of a protein or other substance. Overexpression of certain proteins or other substances may play a role in cancer development.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stem cell (stem sel)

A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)